What new Grambling football coach Hue Jackson said about winning, HBCUs, Deion Sanders at SWAC Media Day

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the splash and fanfare of the new football coach on the block, Deion Sanders did something not many outside of Jackson State expected. In his second year as coach, he guided the Tigers to an undefeated conference record, winning 11 games and their first SWAC title since 2007.

Grambling State had seen enough. After going 4-7 overall and 3-5 in conference games, program leaders made a decision to hire renowned offensive guru Hue Jackson.

Jackson knows winning is why he was hired.

“Win,” Jackson said Thursday at SWAC Media Day. “I not here for anything else. I understand this business extremely well, it is truly about winning and losing. These young men understand this as well. They did not come here for anything else than to put W’s on the board."

Grambling football: Hue Jackson, Grambling players make impression with custom-made suits at SWAC Media Day

Media Day: Grambling State football schedule 2022: Season opener kickoff time vs Arkansas State announced

SWAC Media Day: Hue Jackson, Grambling players make impression with custom-made suits at SWAC Media Day

After going through spring practice and now summer, Jackson said there are some positions up for grabs and some starters might not be named until the opening game. With a young team, Jackson knows how fast they mature will be the key to determining the season.

In the spring there was a battle for the starting quarterback position between Amani Gilmore, Julian Calvez, Kajiya Hollawayne, Quaterius Hawkins and Chance Amie. If Jackson knows who will be under center, he is not announcing it. His decision could come right before the team takes the field for their first series at Arkansas State on Sept. 3.

“Our quarterback situation has not been settled,” Jackson said. “We will make sure the guy we trot out there in the first game will be the best guy for us.”

With the resurgence of HBCUs, Jackson said some former NFL players are getting a shot to become head coaches because they are tremendous men. Coaching is about making an impact on young men’s lives and that is special.

“This is a great time in HBCU football,” Jackson said. “We have some tremendous names that are leading these programs, they have seen it and played it at a high level. We love to come in here and leave a legacy here the right way.”

Jackson said HBCUs are growing at a record pace and knows players are receiving great coaching and will have the opportunity to be seen at the next level.

“I feel like anytime I can call Deion Sanders on the phone,” Jackson said, “and have a conversation, which I have had, and also with other coaches as well. It is an opportunity as Black coaches grow.”

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Grambling State football: Hue Jackson talks HBCUs, Deion Sanders